nuclear-news

Warning on UK subsidies for nuclear power, and conflict of interest

RWE boss warns over nuclear plant subsidies , Terry Macalister and Richard Cookson,  The Guardian,  20 February 2013

CEO’s concern that consumers could face ‘unnecessarily high bills’ comes as industry staff are seconded to ministries RWE npower, one of the big six power suppliers, has warned ministers not to seal a long-term subsidy deal with the nuclear industry behind the backs of consumers and saddle them with “unnecessarily high bills” for the next 40 years.

The warning from Paul Massara, RWE UK’s new chief executive, comes as the Guardian can reveal that up to 15 private sector executives with links to the atomic sector have been seconded to government departments or other public sector roles.

“We are very concerned that decisions currently being taken around guaranteed revenue from new nuclear power stations in return for their delivery could force the next three generations of British consumers to pay an unexpected and perhaps unnecessarily high bill for the next 40 years, especially given the track record of delivery of nuclear power stations,” said Massara.

“There must be an open and honest conversation about the future direction of energy bills. Customers must be given the best information to be able to make informed decisions, take control of their bills and reduce their energy waste.”…..

. “We believe UK customers should not be made to write a blank cheque to pay for new power stations,” A Freedom of Information request undertaken by the campaign group, NuclearSpin.org, showed at least 15 people working for the nuclear energy industry or its consultants have been seconded to areas responsible for policy or regulation, some being paid for by the taxpayer…….

February 21, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics, UK